Viterra marks Moose Jaw grain elevator centennial

MOOSE JAW, SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA — Viterra Inc. on Oct.15 commemorated the 100th anniversary of its grain facility in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada, at an event with employees, customers and government officials.

In his remarks to the audience, Dean McQueen, Viterra's vice-president of merchandising and transportation said, "Our Moose Jaw terminal is another excellent example of the quality facilities in Viterra's asset network. The original builders had great foresight when they constructed this facility and built it to last. Since Viterra assumed ownership, we have been proud stewards of this elevator, ensuring that it meets the needs of our customers and remains a part of the Prairie landscape for another one hundred years."

The facility was opened in October, 1914 as a Canadian Government Grain Elevator, with a 13,600-tonne bushel workhouse and an 81,646-tonne annex with cleaning and drying capabilities. In 1931, an additional annex of 54,430 tonnes was added. Viterra purchased the elevator in 1989. Today, the facility has a licensed storage capacity of 156,670 tonnes and is serviced by CP with a rail capacity of 112 cars, making it one of the largest terminals in Viterra's asset network.

Over the last several years, Viterra has made significant investments in the facility to modernize it, including upgrades to its dust collection, receiving and sampling systems. Other enhancements include rail car spot expansions, the installation of a color sorter, and the automation of its cleaners.